Did the condom break? Not ready for a baby? Is that an STD?
Inspired by our educational parody #Contraceptive Lines, which features different contraceptive methods to the tune of Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," we are on a mission to spread the word on how to keep you safe in the sack.
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Meet and greet: Skyla. The newest IUD on the block.
Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years.
This soft, T-shaped flexible plastic fits inside your uterus and made by the same company that makes the Mirena IUD. It works pretty much the same way by releasing a low dose of levonorgestrel (14 mcg/ day).
Available by prescription only. Make sure to do an easy monthly check, and your healthcare provider can show you how.
Benefits:
- Can be removed at any time. Completely reversible. Just a quick trip to your healthcare provider.
- FDA-approved and can be used whether or not you have had a child. Skyla has been tested and marketed for women who haven't had children.
- Decreased period cramps and pain. Changes in bleeding patterns can occur.
- Lighter periods. Still expect visits from your Aunt Flow!
- Convenient: No regular trips to the pharmacy or clinic! Ain't nobody got time for that? Skyla is good up to 3 years.
Common Side Effects:
- Headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and depression.
- Pain, bleeding or dizziness sometimes during the placement. However, the smaller frame and narrow packaging tube makes for a more comfortable experience. Sorry IUD placement is no walk in the park.
- May come out by itself. This occurs in about 3% of women.
- Ovarian cysts: About 14% of women using Skyla develop a cyst on the ovary. They usually disappear on their own in a month or two, but can cause pain and may require surgery.
Complications:
- Infections: PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) less than 1% of users and sepsis (rare, but life-threatening infection).
- Perforation: Less than 0.1% of users experienced perforation in clinical trials.
- Pregnancy: Although pregnancy while using Skyla is uncommon (less than 1 in 100), it can be serious. Unusual vaginal bleeding or pain in your stomach is concerning.
Where can I find Skyla?
Coming to a healthcare provider near you soon. Skyla is slated to hit the market right about now and has already been FDA approved.
Pros and Cons of Using it vs. other birth control?
ReplyDeleteHi DC! Great question. We shall be addressing your question in an upcoming post! Stay tuned!
DeleteIf it's 99% effective, does that mean if I have sex 100 times, I'm most likely to get pregnant 1 time?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Andrew! IUD's are one of the most effective forms of birth control. However, it is not 100% effective only abstinence. There is always a possibility of pregnancy, but the risk is minimal. Remember, IUD's do not protect against HIV or STD's.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually >99% effective which means that out of 1,000 women using it, less than 10 may get pregnant (results are independent of how many times you have sex). One of the main reasons its so effective is the lack of follow up needed. Meaning, after the initial confirmation of adequate placement, you dont need to remeber to take it every day like the pill, or every 3 months like Depo-Provera (the injection), for example.
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